ALCOHOL LICENSE REVIEW COMMITTEE UPDATES
ALRC Meeting: Wednesday, October 19, 2011
- The committee discussed a set of possible liquor license guidelines that would be used at future ALRC meetings when considering certain types of applications. There was some concern that the language was too specific, and some suggestions were made to improve the language. The City Attorney's office requested more time to review the language; the committee wanted a new draft for the November 8th meeting.
- A discussion was held on a recent blog post by Jack Craver concerning admittance policies of certain bars requiring either a valid driver's license or U.S. Passport. The ALRC welcomed the discussion and was curious the action the ALRC might be able to take if a certain policy was in violation of the city's Equal Opportunities Ordinance (EOO). Assistant City Attorney Roger Allen explained that the ALRC could take action on a liquor license if a complaint about a certain policy was filed with the Department of Civil Rights, and was found to be in violation of the EOO. A holder of a liquor license must conform to all city ordinances. The ALRC requested the issue be on the next agenda. It was noted the Mayor will be meeting with city staff and alders about this issue.
- The committee considered the Nuisance House Party ordinance proposal. There was some uncertainty as to the appropriate definition of a nuisance party contained within the ordinance. The ALRC will see a new version based on that feedback on November 9th.
ALRC Hearing (09/28/2011): R Place on Park v. City of Madison
On Wednesday, September 28th, the Alcohol License Review Committee voted (7 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention) to recommend revocation of the liquor license of R Place on Park to the Common Council. The Common Council will consider the ALRC recommendation on Tuesday, October 4th.
ALRC Meeting: Wednesday, September 21, 2011
- The ALRC debated an updated draft of the ordinance proposal to prohibit nuisance house parties. The ALRC voted to refer the matter to the next regular meeting in October. A decision is likely at that meeting.
- The ALRC considered a set of guidelines for general alcohol beverage licensing for the City. Among items included in the guidelines is a specific set of criteria to determine under what circumstances granting a Class A (retail) alcohol beverage license is appropriate. The ALRC gave some positive feedback; changes will be made to the draft, and the committee will consider the guidelines again in October.
- The committee also approved the use of a consent agenda for ALRC meetings. In order for an item to make the consent agenda, there has to be approval of the license application by the alder, police department, and neighborhood association (if applicable); and there has to be no registrations in opposition of the license. The goal of the committee is simply to cut down on time wasted by considering non-controversial items. An exclusion list will be sent out in advance of meeting, so if there is any item a committee member would like pulled off of the consent agenda, it can be done at that time.
